Can I Be Counted On?

Daniel 6:4

1 Corinthians 4:1–2

There are many qualities that people admire.

We admire intelligence, talent, courage, creativity, leadership, and strength.

We are naturally impressed by people who can do something exceptionally well.

However, there is one quality that may not attract immediate attention, yet it is absolutely essential in every area of life.

That quality is faithfulness.

Faithfulness may be defined as “manifesting a true spirit to a person to whom one is bound by a promise, a pledge, honor, or love.”

A faithful person is true to the people, promises, and responsibilities that bind him.

He can be trusted to keep his word, fulfill his duty, and remain at his post.

Faithfulness is not merely doing something once with enthusiasm.

It is doing what is right consistently, even after the excitement has passed.

Faithfulness is not doing everything.

It is consistently doing what God has entrusted to us.

It is relatively easy to begin something.

Many people begin a Bible-reading plan in January.

Many couples begin marriage with sincere vows and joyful expectations.

Many church members volunteer for a ministry with genuine enthusiasm.

Many Christians make commitments during a stirring service.

The greater test comes later.

Will we continue when the work becomes ordinary, inconvenient, unnoticed, or difficult?

A young man once asked an older Christian what quality had helped him most during many years of service.

The older man answered, “I learned to keep doing the next thing God gave me to do.”

That may not sound dramatic, but much of the Christian life is exactly that.

It is doing the next right thing, keeping the next commitment, fulfilling the next responsibility, and remaining true to the One whom we love.

Daniel demonstrated that kind of faithfulness.

His enemies examined his public life, looking for something they could use against him.

They did not merely glance at his record.

They searched for “occasion” and “fault.”

Yet Daniel 6:4 says, “They could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful.”

Daniel was not sinlessly perfect, but he was consistently dependable.

His enemies may have hated his convictions, but they could not honestly accuse him of corruption, dishonesty, negligence, or carelessness.

First Corinthians 4:2 brings the matter directly to every Christian: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

It does not say that a steward must be famous, impressive, unusually gifted, or publicly celebrated.

It says that he must be faithful.

That confronts every one of us with a personal question:

Can God count on me?

Can my family count on me?

Can my church count on me?

Can the people to whom I have given my word count on me?

When God places something in my hands, can He trust me to handle it according to His will?

I. Faithfulness Begins with a Bond

Faithfulness is always faithfulness to someone.

Our definition describes a person who manifests “a true spirit to a person to whom one is bound.”

Faithfulness grows out of a relationship, promise, obligation, honor, or love.

We will never understand faithfulness properly if we view ourselves as independent people with no binding obligations to anyone.

A. We Are Bound to God by Redemption

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

The Christian does not belong to himself.

We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ because He purchased us with His blood.

1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

We sometimes speak of giving our lives to God, but the deeper truth is that our lives already belong to Him.

He created us, He sustains us, and, if we are saved, He redeemed us.

Therefore, we are bound to Him by both creation and redemption.

Suppose someone rescued you from a burning building at great personal cost.

You would never forget what that person had done.

Gratitude would create a powerful bond in your heart.

Our Saviour did infinitely more.

He took our sins upon Himself, endured the judgment we deserved, died in our place, and rose again.

Faithfulness is the fitting response of a redeemed heart.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 KJV

14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

We are not faithful merely because rules compel us.

“The love of Christ constraineth us.” That means — controls, urges and impels

Calvary has placed a loving claim upon our lives.

B. We Are Bound to Others by Commitment

God has placed legitimate human commitments in our lives.

A husband and wife are bound by marriage vows.

Parents are bound by their responsibility toward their children.

Church members are bound together by shared doctrine, love, fellowship, and service.

Employees are bound by the agreement they have made with their employer.

When we accept a ministry assignment, when we make a promise, when we borrow something, or when we give someone our word, we take upon ourselves an obligation.

Ecclesiastes 5:5 KJV

5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Our word ought to mean something.

A faithful person does not make people chase him, repeatedly remind him, or wonder whether he will follow through.

He recognizes that a commitment is not merely something he said in the past.

It is a bond that governs what he does in the present.

We live in a culture that often treats commitments as temporary arrangements maintained only while they remain convenient.

But Christian character asks a different question.

It does not ask merely, “Do I still feel like doing this?”

It asks, “What have I promised, and what would faithfulness require?”

C. We Are Bound by Love, Not Merely Obligation

Faithfulness certainly includes duty, but Christian faithfulness is more than grudgingly performing the minimum.

First Corinthians 13:7 says that charity…

1 Corinthians 13:7 KJV

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Love gives faithfulness the proper spirit.

Faithfulness is love with staying power.

A mother may rise repeatedly through the night to care for a sick child.

She is tired, and the task is inconvenient, but love keeps bringing her back to that bedside.

A husband may patiently care for his wife through years of declining health.

A church member may continue serving in a place where few people notice and no one applauds.

Such people are not merely completing assignments.

They are showing a true spirit to someone to whom they are bound by love.

Our love will sometimes be tested by inconvenience, disappointment, misunderstanding, or personal cost.

That is when faithfulness proves whether our love is merely emotional or genuinely committed.

Faithfulness begins with a bond, but that bond also gives us something to manage.

That leads us to the biblical idea of stewardship.

II. Faithfulness Is Required in Our Stewardship

First Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

The word “steward” is not used often outside Christian circles today.

Some people hear “stewardship” and immediately think the preacher is going to talk only about money.

Money is part of stewardship, but stewardship includes far more.

A steward is a trusted servant who manages the possessions, responsibilities, and interests of another and must eventually give an account to the owner.

In modern language, we might call him a manager, caretaker, administrator, or trustee.

A biblical steward might exercise considerable authority, but he never forgot that he was not the owner.

Genesis 24:2 describes Abraham’s eldest servant as one “that ruled over all that he had.”

Genesis 39:6 says that Potiphar “left all that he had in Joseph’s hand.”

Those servants managed valuable property and made important decisions, but nothing under their care ultimately belonged to them.

That is why faithfulness is so important.

A steward is handling what belongs to someone else.

A. A Steward Recognizes God’s Ownership

Psalm 24:1 KJV

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.

Everything ultimately belongs to God.

We may hold a deed, title, receipt, or bank statement with our name printed on it, but God remains the true Owner.

David recognized this when Israel gave generously for the building of the temple.

He prayed in 1 Chronicles 29:14

1 Chronicles 29:14 KJV

14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

David understood that Israel was not enriching a needy God.

They were simply returning to God something He had first placed in their hands.

That changes the way we view everything we possess.

My life belongs to God.

My body belongs to God.

My time, abilities, opportunities, possessions, influence, family responsibilities, place of service, and knowledge of the gospel all belong to God.

I may have them in my hands, but they remain His.

Why, then, are we called to be stewards?

1. Because God Created Us

Revelation 4:11 KJV

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

God has rights over us because He made us.

Our lives are not accidents without meaning.

We were created by God and for God.

2. Because Christ Redeemed Us

We are “bought with a price.”

Redemption deepens the claim of creation.

The One who gave us life also gave His life to save us.

3. Because Everything We Possess Came from Him

James 1:17 KJV

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Even our ability to think, work, earn, learn, speak, love, and serve comes from God.

We cannot point to anything good in our lives and honestly say, “God had nothing to do with this.”

4. Because God Gave His Gifts for His Purposes

God did not give us time merely to consume, abilities merely to display, money merely to accumulate, or influence merely to advance ourselves.

He places resources in our hands so that His purposes may be accomplished through our lives.

B. A Steward Receives an Entrusted Assignment

First Corinthians 4:1 says, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

Paul had been entrusted with the truth of God.

He did not invent that truth, own it, or possess authority to alter it.

His responsibility was to preserve it, proclaim it, and pass it on faithfully.

Likewise, whatever God places in our hands becomes a trust that we are responsible for.

If God has given you children, He has entrusted you with them.

If He has given you an ability, He has entrusted you with it.

If He has given you a ministry, an income, an opportunity, or influence over another life, He has entrusted it to you.

The right question is not merely, “What do I have?”

It is, “Why has God entrusted this to me, and what does He want me to do with it?”

Have you ever gone on vacation and asked someone to care for your house while you are away.

You gives him the keys, explain what needs attention, and provide what is necessary.

The friend may enter the house and use the tools, but he does not have the right to sell the furniture, remodel according to his own taste, or neglect the owner’s instructions.

Possession does not equal ownership.

Access does not eliminate accountability.

A steward must follow the owner’s wishes.

This is where stewardship changes the central question of life.

The owner asks, “What do I want to do with my life?”

The steward asks, “Lord, what would You have me do with the life You entrusted to me?”

C. A Steward Will Give an Account

In Luke 16:2, a rich man said to his steward, “Give an account of thy stewardship.”

Luke 16:2 KJV

2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

Every steward eventually faces a review.

Romans 14:12 KJV

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

God will not judge me by whether I had someone else’s ability, opportunity, or resources.

He will evaluate what I did with what He entrusted to me.

That truth should make us sober, but it should not make us hopeless.

God does not require us to produce another person’s results.

He requires us to be faithful with our own trust.

Faithfulness is possible for every Christian.

You may never preach to thousands, possess great wealth, lead a large business or ministry, or receive public recognition.

But you can pray for the people God has given you.

You can keep your word.

You can serve in your place.

You can use your ability for God.

You can handle truth honestly.

You can be faithful.

III. Faithfulness Is Proven Under Pressure

Daniel’s faithfulness was not merely praised by his friends.

It was investigated by his enemies.

Daniel served under changing kings and governments.

He lived far from his homeland in a pagan culture.

He carried enormous governmental responsibility.

Yet through changing circumstances, he remained trustworthy.

A. His Conduct Survived Examination

Daniel 6:4 says that the presidents and princes “sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom.”

They wanted evidence of dishonesty, corruption, or incompetence.

Yet “they could find none occasion nor fault.”

Daniel’s public life could withstand close inspection.

Daniel did not dismiss his governmental work because it was not a religious office.

He understood that faithfulness to God should affect the quality of everything a believer does.

Colossians 3:23 KJV

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Faithfulness means we do our work honestly even when the supervisor is absent.

We keep our promises even when the other person cannot force us.

We fulfill our ministry responsibility even when no one checks.

We are the same person privately that we appear to be publicly.

Someone has observed that “character is what we do when no one is watching.”

Faithfulness is what we continue doing when no one seems to notice.

Would our conduct survive examination?

B. His Convictions Survived Opposition

Daniel’s enemies eventually concluded that they would find no occasion against him unless they found it “concerning the law of his God.”

They persuaded the king to sign a decree forbidding prayer to anyone except the king for thirty days.

Daniel knew the decree had been signed.

Daniel 6:10 KJV

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Those final words are a beautiful description of faithfulness: “As he did aforetime.”

Daniel did not begin praying because a crisis came, and he did not stop praying because the crisis became costly.

He simply remained true to God.

Faithfulness is not proved merely by what we do when commitment is easy.

It is proved by what remains true when commitment becomes costly.

Joseph remained faithful when faithfulness put him in prison.

Ruth remained faithful when loyalty required leaving her homeland.

Paul remained faithful through beatings, imprisonments, rejection, and weariness.

Our pressure may take a different form.

We may face fatigue, discouragement, criticism, changing circumstances, lack of recognition, or the temptation to believe our efforts do not matter.

The pressure whispers, “No one will know if you quit.”

Faithfulness answers, “God will know, and I am doing this for Him.”

C. His Consistency Survived the Passage of Time

Daniel’s faithfulness was not a brief burst of youthful enthusiasm.

He served God from his youth into old age.

He was faithful when taken captive and when promoted to authority.

He was faithful under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus.

Kings changed, kingdoms changed, responsibilities changed, and Daniel grew older, but his devotion to God remained.

Many people can be dependable for a week when they are excited.

Faithfulness is revealed through months and years of ordinary obedience.

God’s work is often accomplished through people who simply refuse to abandon the place He has given them.

Faithfulness does not mean that we never stumble.

It means that, by God’s grace, we keep returning to the path of obedience.

IV. Faithfulness Will Be Rewarded by the Master

First Corinthians 4 places our stewardship in the light of God’s final evaluation.

Paul understood that human judgment was not the final measure of his ministry.

He wrote in verse 3, “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment.”

Paul was not saying that wise counsel never matters or that Christians should ignore legitimate correction.

He was saying that no human opinion constitutes the final verdict upon a servant of Christ.

A. Human Recognition Is Not the Measure

Faithful people are not always noticed, thanked, or understood.

Some of God’s most faithful servants carry responsibilities that few people ever see.

A widow prays daily for her family.

A nursery worker lovingly cares for children so parents can hear the preaching.

A husband works honestly to provide for his household.

A wife quietly strengthens her family through countless acts of service.

Heaven records what earth overlooks.

Hebrews 6:10 KJV

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

People may forget, but God does not.

B. God Examines Both Our Actions and Our Motives

A few verses down from our text, First Corinthians 4:5 says that the Lord “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.”

God knows not only what we did but why we did it.

He knows whether we served from love, pride, resentment, duty, compassion, or desire for applause.

It is possible to perform a visible task without possessing a faithful spirit.

Faithfulness is not merely occupying a position.

It is being true in spirit to the One to whom we are bound.

Therefore, we should not merely ask, “Did I finish the task?”

We should also ask, “Did I do it for the Lord, in the right spirit, according to His will?”

C. God Will Commend His Faithful Servants

In Matthew 25, the lord praised his servant:

Matthew 25:21 KJV

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Notice that he did not say, “Well done, thou famous and impressive servant.”

He commended faithfulness.

The servants in that parable received different amounts, but each was responsible for what had been placed in his hands.

The greatest words a Christian could ever hear are, “Well done.”

No earthly title, applause, or achievement could compare with the approval of Christ.

One day our opportunities will end.

The final lesson will be taught.

The last prayer will be prayed.

The last invitation will be given.

The last child will leave our care.

The last day of work will close.

The last act of service will be completed.

Then we will give an account of our stewardship.

On that day, the question will not be whether we did everything.

It will be whether we were faithful with what God gave us to do.

Conclusion

Is there a bond in your life where faithfulness has begun to weaken?

Have you become inconsistent in your walk with God?

Have you neglected promises made to your spouse or family?

Have you grown careless in your employment?

Have you become unreliable in a church responsibility?

Do people have to remind you repeatedly before you follow through?

Perhaps you see an area where you have failed.

Do not merely excuse it, but do not surrender to discouragement either.

Confess it to God.

Make right what you can.

Ask forgiveness where necessary.

Renew your commitment.

Then get back to doing the next right thing God has given you to do.

Remember the four truths of stewardship:

It belongs to God.

It has been entrusted to me.

It must be used for His purposes.

I will answer to Him for it.

Faithfulness is the character that makes a steward trustworthy.

Daniel was faithful concerning the kingdom.

Paul sought to be faithful with the mysteries of God.

We are called to be faithful with every person, possession, opportunity, truth, and responsibility God has placed within our care.

Let’s each make this decision:

By God’s grace, I will become someone whom God and others can safely count on.

When I am watched or unnoticed, appreciated or criticized, helped or hindered, I will seek to remain true.

May the Lord help us so to live that when our stewardship is finished, we may hear our Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”